‘I OWE BIG DEBT TO MY CHAIRMAN AND STAFF'

BIG INTERVIEW: JOHNNIE JACKSON 

- John Lyons

AT A time when a few dodgy results seems to tempt panicky clubs to make a managerial change, it says a lot for AFC Wimbledon that they stuck by Johnnie Jackson during an 11game winless run.

While a casualty list longer than your local hospital’s A&E was clearly a mitigating factor in that gloomy set of results, some directors would still have decided it was time for change.

However, the Dons’ belief that they have the right man at the helm hasn’t wavered and a 2-0 home success against mid-table Walsall in midweek was a relief for manager, players, the board and fans.

You only had to see the celebrations at the full-time whistle to realise that. It came exactly two months after their last success – a 1-0 home win against Stockport – and relieved any lingering fears the Dons, who climbed to 16th, had of getting sucked into a relegation battle.

It was little wonder that former Charlton boss Jackson wanted to thank chairman Mick Buckley for his backing afterwards.

“You are always under pressure as a manager,” the 40-year-old told The FLP. “That’s always there, but what I would say is that in this tough time I’ve had incredible support around me from my chairman and my staff.

“Sometimes you can feel really alone with it – that’s the nature of the job, but I’ve got great people around me who can help and try to keep you on a level, whether you’re winning or losing.”

When the Dons beat Stockport in late January, they were tenth in the table and Jackson was anticipating a push for the play-offs. But then came a lorry load of injuries to put a spanner in the works.